Sport
5 May, 2026
Navarre takes 113-point victory over Maldon
Navarre produced a dominant four-quarter performance on Saturday, dismantling Maldon by 113 points.
The Grasshoppers set the tone early and never looked back, controlling the game from the outset with relentless pressure and efficient ball movement.
Navarre got off to a strong start in the opening term, kicking five goals to one to take a 28-point lead into quarter time.
Riley Bibby was immediately influential up forward, while Darcy Claughton and Sam Rickard also hit the scoreboard as the home side asserted early control.
The game was effectively put to bed in a blistering second quarter. Navarre exploded with 10 goals for the term, completely overwhelming Maldon with their run, spread and ability to convert inside 50.
Bibby was unstoppable during this period, while Jack Mentha, Luke Hendy and Harry Schroder all contributed as the margin ballooned to 76 points at the main break.
Maldon struggled to gain any momentum, with Navarre dominating possession and territory. The Bombers managed just four goals for the half and were unable to contain the Grasshoppers’ attacking wave.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with Navarre continuing to apply scoreboard pressure. Goals to Mentha, Bibby and Rickard ensured the Grass-hoppers took a 100-point lead into the final change.
To their credit, Maldon continued to compete in the final term, adding a goal through Harrison Tulloch, but Navarre remained in complete control.
Mentha finished strongly with two late goals, while Angus Bade also hit the scoreboard as the Grasshoppers ran out convincing winners.
Bibby was outstanding for Navarre, finishing with a game-high eight-goal haul and proving a constant threat inside forward 50.
He was well supported by Mentha, Rickard, Bade and Claughton in a powerful team performance. Will Moloney and Oliver Notting were also influential, driving the midfield dominance.
For Maldon, Thomas McNeill battled hard, while Aaron Millen, Matthew Gray, Damian Wust, Tadgh Cananzi and Billy Johns were named among their better players in a difficult day.